Beach resort tourism and hiking on Mount Cameroon
07 days and 06 nights of coastal pleasures and hiking in the cities of Limbe and Buea in the South West Region of Cameroon
This tour will take us to the South West Region of Cameroon. First, we will visit the seaside resort towns of Limbe and Idenau. You will have the opportunity to stroll along the wonderful black sandy volcanic beaches, to relax, to take a sunbath and to swim in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. We will visit the Limbe Botanical Garden which was created by the Germans in 1892 during the colonial period and the zoological park which was created in 1993 and shelters several species of primates. We will go to the discovery of the former slave trade station of Bimbia, which today still bears the traces of the slave trade such as padlocks, chains and many other tools used by slave dealers, before continuing the trip to Buea.
Once in Buea, we will explore the heights of Mount Cameroon. Mount Cameroon is located in the city of Buea. At 4,100 m above sea level, it is not only the highest peak on the West African coast but also the most active volcano. Once at the summit of this mountain, you will discover a unique breath-taking experience. The landscape is made up of varied vegetation that ranges from the mangrove, the Evergreen forest, the equatorial rainforest, the Montagne forest, the savannah and rugged terrain with flora and fauna which are very rich in plant and animal species.
Mount Cameroon is the absolute evidence of a volcano still in activity. You shall have the opportunity to walk on the lava flows created during the eruptions of 1959, 1999 and 2000. Once at the top, you shall have a picturesque view of the cities of Buea and Douala as far as your eyes can see, only for you to realize at last that you are in the clouds with your feet on the ground.
Douala
Day 1: Douala International Airport – Limbe (Bakingili) (89.1 km)
Arrival of guests by air through the Douala international airport, reception by our competent professional tour officer, drive to the seaside resort city of Limbe, situated on the west slope of Mount Cameroon on the borders of the Atlantic Ocean. Arrival at Limbe and installation at Seme Beach hotel, welcome dinner and overnight.
Limbe
Day 2: Bakingili - Debunsha - Idenau - Limbe (50 km)
Early morning breakfast and visit of the German Light House and Natchigal Lake, located in Debunsha, the wettest place in Africa and second in the world with 10 000mm of rainfall. Continuation to Idenau and admiration the large industrial oil palm plantations and factory on the way. Arrival at Idenau and visit of the beautiful small regional port. Unravel this marvellous city with a sublime regional harbour and its good-looking black sandy beaches. Stroll on the
luxurious beaches of fine black sand and visit to the fishing village communities made up mainly of Nigerians and Ghanaians. Return to Limbe and the way, we will make a stopover to visit Mount Bakingili also known as the “small Mount Cameroon”. Mount Bakingili was created by the lava flows of the 1999 Mount Cameroon eruption. Continuation of the trip to Limbe and lunch at Down-Beach, where fresh fish and braised chickens are at the rendezvous. After lunch, visit to the Limbe Botanical Garden which was created by the Germans in 1892, then, the Limbe Zoological Park which was created in 1993 as a project of cooperation between the Cameroonian government and the NGO Foundation Pandrillus. Return to the hotel, dinner and free night.
Bimbia
Day 3: Bakingili - Limbe - Bimbia - Bakingili (54 km)
Breakfast and departure for Bimbia. Bimbia is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean not far from Limbe. It is an old slave trade station, which was discovered in 1987 and which still bears permanent traces of the slave trade. Objects such as padlocks, chains and other utensils used by the slave masters are still found on this site. Tour around the military base of the Man ‘O’ War Bay and drive for lunch at the Limbe Down Beach. Return to the hotel, dinner and free night.
Mount Cameroon
Day 4: Bakingili - Buea (47 km)
Early morning breakfast and take-off for water-play tourism with the feet in the water. Stroll along the beach of the SEME Beach Hotel. Swimming, relaxation along the seaside, tanning, and tasting of fresh fruit juice or good fresh beer made in Cameroon. Lunch and departure for Buea. Arrival in Buea and discovery of Buea by night, dinner, rest and overnight.
Mount Cameroon
Day 5: Buea - Ascension to Mount Cameroon (Hut 3)
Early morning breakfast and drive to Lower Farms area, located at 1000m of altitudes, and starting point for the hiking. Backpacks and accompanied by guides, begins the “chariot of the gods” exploration. Objective (Hut 1). You will discover the tropical forest of the mountains and savannah landscapes. The approximate duration of the ascent until the Hut 1 is 3 to 4 hours. Once at hut 1 (altitude 1,850 m), break, snacks and continuation of the ascent to the (Hut 2). Arrival at the Hut 2 (altitude 2,850 m). Guided tour through the caves, discovery of the
geological attractions and taking of photographs. This altitude offers a magnificent view over the whole city. After a well-deserved rest, then continuation of the ascent to Hut 3 (altitude: 3.950 m), rest, meals, massage sessions and overnight.
Mount Cameroon
Day 6: Mount - Cameroon (Hut 3) - Summit - Buea
Early in the morning, begins the continuation of the ascent to the summit. [Objective: summit (alt. 4100m)]. Arrival at the summit and finally, a phew of relief! the goal of challenging the highest summit of the West African coast has been achieved. It remains only the descent. Visit of the summit attractions, taking some souvenir pictures, snacks and rest. Start of the descent by the same way, snack and break at the Hut 2, and at Hut 1. Arrival at Upper Farms, return to the hotel (via township taxis), rest, meals, massage sessions and overnight.
Buea
Day 7: Buea - Douala International Airport (74.1 km)
Breakfast, visit some Buea attractions and departure for Douala. Arrived in Douala, shopping at the Douala Central Market. Goodbye lunch, debriefing, drive to the airport and end of the circuit.
Included / Excluded
Included / Excluded
This tour includes:
► Reception and escort by a professional, bilingual and certified national tourist guide.
► Transport in a four-wheel drive air-conditioned vehicle from reception all through the circuit.
► Accommodation in air-conditioned rooms and ecolodges.
► Full board meals
► Entrance fees to the attractions
► Toll fees.
► Guided tours of all the sites and attractions indicated in the program.
► Professional driver
► Mountain guides and porters
This tour does not include:
► International flight fees (Roundtrip)
► Costs related to travel formalities such as visa and immigration charges
► Costs related to travel insurance
► Additional expenses of the tourist such as the purchase of souvenirs
► Alcoholic drinks such as liqueurs, wines, and whiskeys
► Tips and gifts (freewill gestures)
► First aid kit
Please specify :
► The exact dates of visit (date of arrival and date of return)
► Flights and airports of arrival (Douala or Yaoundé-Nsimalen)
► Group or tourist’s interests to permit tailored modifications of the tour
► Names and information of visitors for bookings.
► Food exigencies; diabetes, vegetarian etc.
Safety rules for hiking Mount Cameroon
► Temperatures drop especially during the night and it is important to wear warm clothes
► Plan appropriate hiking boots. They must be well adjusted to avoid causing blisters or sores on your feet.
► Plan a first aid kit containing medicines needed for altitude changes (Efferalgan / Paracetamol / Aspirin (because altitude changes often cause headaches), ointments and massage spray, disinfectants or antiseptics, bandages and tapes in case of injury.
► Plan a raincoat in case of rain.
NB : This program can be modified by demand to suit the expectations of the tourist(s).
